Pubdate: Mon, 13 Nov 2006
Source: Mirror, The (UK)
Copyright: 2006 The Mirror
Contact:  http://www.mirror.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1161
Author: Greig Box
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin)

'DISASTER' OF PAYOUTS TO DRUG CONS

DAMAGES being paid to prisoners because they were forced to stop 
taking drugs in jail has been branded a "massive failure" in public protection.

Drugs charity DrugScope said a group of six who used heroin and other 
opiates were on the verge of settling out of court with the Prison Service.

The claimants - some of them inmates and others ex-cons - allege the 
"cold turkey" treatment amounted to assault.

Shadow Home Secretary David Davis said the case set a "disastrous" 
precedent, adding that Home Secretary John Reid had failed to protect 
the public.

The test case was due to be heard in the High Court today. A total of 
198 claimants could be in line to receive compensation running into 
tens of thousands once the size of the group's settlement is finalised.

A Home Office spokeswoman declined to comment as "the litigation is 
still ongoing".
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman